Falconer Grad Turns Heads In Army

February 18, 2013

Regardless of the test, PFC Scott Roberts has always made sure he's prepared for it.

Roberts, a 2011 Falconer graduate, is turning heads with his high scores on his military fitness tests.

He is described as an excellent student by his parents, who are proud of all the hard work he is doing in the military, as well as the hard work he put in to prepare him for the military.

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Scott Roberts

"Scott was an A student and excelled in all of his classes at Falconer," said Kim Roberts, Scott's mother.

"He was the starting catcher for his Little League team, as well as Babe Ruth, JV and varsity. He also played basketball, and played both offensive and defensive positions for JV and varsity football. In November of his senior year, Scott enlisted in the Army at the age of 17."

After enlisting in the Army, Roberts took several college courses during his senior year, which earned him promotion points that led to starting basic training at a rank of PFC instead of PV 1 or 2.

On Aug. 2, 2011, he left for basic training in Fort Benning, Ga. On Dec. 10, 2011, he graduated as a Cav. Scout. However, he also earned a very rare honor during that time.

"It is quite an honor to receive this award, and includes a round of very difficult oral questioning in front of a panel of high-ranking Army officers, as well as strenuous physical qualifications. There is only one recipient of this award out of all the soldiers in his cycle."

Additionally, Roberts received a Certificate of Achievement for placement in the Excellence in Armor Program, the First Soldier in Cycle award and the Army Fitness Badge, for scoring a 299 out of 300 on his physical fitness test.

"Scott excelled in basic training and was platoon leader for most of his cycle," said Mrs. Roberts. "After graduation, the soldiers attended an awards dinner. High-ranking officers have personalized 'challenge coins' they present to soldiers who have excelled and shown exceptional leadership skills, a high level of physical fitness and demonstrated the ability to learn and perform tasks expected of soldiers at a higher grade level. It is rare for soldiers to receive these coins. However, Scott received four from officers attending the dinner."

Recently, Roberts was stationed with the Rakkasans, 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, Ky.

He participated in a "Spur Ride," which is a three-day exercise and a tradition for Cav. Scouts. Upon completion, he earned his silver spurs, along with 76 out of 188 Cav. Scouts who participated.

The Rakkasans also took part in a month-long pre-deployment training at Fort Polk, La.

Roberts and his battle buddies were complimented by an Army general who said they were the most well-trained, well-functioning team he had ever seen in his 25-year career.

Roberts is currently deployed to COP Wilderness in Afghanistan, and is scheduled to return home after his tour is over in June.